Microsoft showcases the power of analytics and machine learning to transform businesses and drive inclusive growth

Bengaluru: Microsoft India today inaugurated the first edition of Machine Learning & Data Sciences (ML&DS) Conference in India. This two-day conference is aimed at exploring the tremendous possibilities with Big Data, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Open Source technologies to enable a rich set of platforms, intelligent apps, services and experiences to accelerate economic growth, empower people and drive real impact. The conference will host 600 participants, including data scientists, students, developers, government elites, start-ups, cricketers and Microsoft experts, who will share new insights and showcase powerful solutions that are driving digital transformation for organizations and communities in India and worldwide.

Delivering the keynote at the conference, Joseph Sirosh, Corporate Vice President of Data Group at Microsoft, said, “Cloud based services for Machine Learning and Big Data, together with the Internet of Things (IoT) have the potential to revolutionize every aspect of our lives, from sports, healthcare and education and even government. At Microsoft, our ambition is to democratize the access to these technologies so that software developers can build, innovate and transform the world with them. I am thrilled to be part of the first ever Machine Learning and Data Science Conference in India, and I am looking forward to showcasing unique platforms such as the Cortana Intelligence Suite that are helping customers harness the power of Artificial Intelligence.”

Demonstrating the wide-ranging possibilities of data analytics, Microsoft also unveiled an Azure Machine Learning based approach for calculating target scores in weather-interrupted T20 cricket matches. It uses machine learning, applies advanced analytics to past data and existing mathematical formulation to derive the outcome. The approach is now available as a Jupyter notebook in Microsoft’s Cortana Intelligence Gallery for software developers to build on and improve using existing data across multiple areas such as playing conditions, weather and cricket grounds.

Speaking about the conference, Anil Bhansali, Managing Director, Microsoft India (R&D) Pvt. Ltd., said, “At Microsoft, we see tremendous possibilities to partner in India’s digital transformation with our transformative technologies, our offerings and local cloud services. Microsoft’s capabilities and pioneering work in the field of machine learning in India is helping bring efficiencies in the fields of agriculture, healthcare and education. We are also pleased to extend the benefits of machine learning to the sports fraternity by offering a platform for software developers in India to create solutions that could change the approach to sports administration and sports management. This really shows the expanse of impact this technology can have on varied segments and communities.”

Machine Learning is one of Microsoft’s key focus areas and one in which the company is making significant inroads, both in terms of research and development breakthroughs as well as translating the outcome of its work into real customer impact. To boost the state’s education ecosystem, Microsoft is working with the Government of Andhra Pradesh on a machine learning based model to analyze and predict drop outs and take preventive action. It has engaged with L. V. Prasad Eye Institute to build a predictive model that helps predict regression rates for eye operations, enabling doctors to pinpoint the procedures needed to prevent and treat visual impairments. To aid digital agriculture in Andhra Pradesh, Microsoft has partnered with ICRISAT to provide powerful cloud-based predictive analytics to empower farmers with crucial information and insights to help reduce crop failures and increase yield, in turn, reducing stress and generating better income.

The first day of the conference will feature an overnight hackathon for students and early-stage developers to build cool, intelligent applications that take advantage of Microsoft Cognitive Services. Top participants will get a unique opportunity to pitch their ideas to top Indian VCs, faculty and Microsoft executives. In addition to the hackathon, the event will also feature demo booths showcasing the exciting capabilities of Microsoft Machine Learning platform and Application program interface (APIs) powered solutions in the field of healthcare, education, agriculture, and how start-ups and businesses are using it to drive transformation and create opportunities. Over the course of the two days, the conference will feature over 30 technical sessions, tutorials, demos and more that will showcase Microsoft’s innovation in this field.